AWKA, Nigeria – Valentine Ozigbo, a renowned business leader and philanthropist, delivered a powerful speech at the official launch of the Valiant Movement, a political and social initiative aimed at redefining leadership in Anambra State. The event, held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Grand East Hotel in Awka, attracted political figures, business leaders, and community stakeholders, marking a significant step in Ozigbo’s political journey.
Standing before an enthusiastic audience, Ozigbo posed a thought-provoking question: “What is Today?” He answered with a resounding call to action, urging unity and a shared vision for a better Anambra.
“This is the moment we reclaim our greatness,” Ozigbo declared. “This is the moment we rise up and unite behind our vision for a better and brighter Anambra.”
As the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, Ozigbo paid tribute to Anambra’s historical icons, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Alex Ekwueme, Chuba Okadigbo, Dora Akunyili, Chinua Achebe, and Peter Obi. He lamented the state’s decline, attributing it to leadership failures and a departure from the principles of selflessness and service.
“The moment we stopped placing character, competence, and compassion as the overruling criteria for leadership, that was the moment our greatness was caged,” he stated.
Ozigbo called for a new brand of leadership that transcends party affiliations, emphasizing unity and a renewed commitment to service.
In his impassioned address, Ozigbo condemned poor governance, rising insecurity, and leadership arrogance, positioning the Valiant Movement as a force for progress in Anambra.
“In this hall today are men and women who have made sacrifices, who have put the people first, and who are ready to lead this movement,” he said, acknowledging key contributors to the initiative.
“This is the moment we anchor our faith on the boundless possibilities within us. This is the moment that everything changes for Ndi Anambra,” he added, drawing loud applause from the audience.
Led by Ike Bishop Okoronkwo, the Valiant Movement is a youth-driven grassroots initiative dedicated to securing Ozigbo’s victory in the 2025 governorship election.
The launch of the Valiant Movement follows Ozigbo’s recent departure from the Labour Party, a move that sparked widespread speculation about his political future. Just days later, he formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, significantly reshaping Anambra’s political dynamics.
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Although he did not dwell on his APC membership during his speech, Ozigbo emphasized a leadership-focused vision that transcends party lines. He is expected to engage with the national APC leadership in the coming days, potentially solidifying his position ahead of the 2025 Anambra governorship election.
As the event concluded, the energy in the room was electric, with young professionals and political stakeholders expressing optimism about the movement’s potential to galvanize voters and reshape Anambra’s political future.
With the Valiant Movement officially launched, its impact on the upcoming election remains to be seen.
